Sen-I Yu is a New York based filmmaker originally from Taiwan. She has directed a wide range of productions including short films, documentaries and commercials. Her feature directorial debut MY HEAVENLY CITY was selected in the 43rd Hawaii International Film Festival, nominated for NETPAC Award, and received positive reviews from The Guardian, MovieWeb.com and Asia…
Michal Sinnott is a classically trained storyteller. Her first narrative feature, UNPACKING, as co/writer-director-producer-actor now streams Amazon Prime as 100% Popcorn Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes after screening in 25 fests (WFF, Cinequest, RIFF, Sedona) and winning 17 awards (incl. Best Actress -Michal, Best of Fest, Best Ensemble, Audience Choice, Rising Star Director). Her second feature…
Kevan Ali is a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, and the Founder of the North Jersey Film Industry Conference (NJFIC). He is known for directing Emerald Ties (2024) and the upcoming experimental short film Subversion (2026). Ali serves as Chief Creative Ambassador for the Sparta, New Jersey Film Commission, focusing on directing feature films and television while connecting Hollywood creatives with New…
Marko Novakovic was born in Belgrade and graduated in Direction from the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad (Serbia). He is known for his feature films NEKO ME IPAK CEKA (2009) , ZVERINJAK (2012) and BEZ STEPENIKA (2015) , which have won dozens of awards and prizes on Serbian and international film and TV festivals….
Sunny Liu, a versatile filmmaker, pianist, and animator based in NY, champions marginalized voices through compelling storytelling. With degrees from Emerson College, The New School and the School of Visual Arts, her talent spans diverse creative realms. Her films received acclaim at Doc NYC and The Nepal American International Film Festival, highlighting her commitment to…
J.R. “Sid” Stokes is a filmmaker and photographer from New York. From a very young age, J.R. has taken a strong interest in the art of storytelling, and hopes to continue having the privilege of curating films that push the boundaries of independent filmmaking.
Jacqueline Christy is an award-winning writer, director, and founder of Access Theater. She directed the short films REHEARSAL (Austin Film Festival) and OTHER PEOPLE (St Louis International Film Festival). Christy was awarded the Mary Pickford Award, the Woods Hole Emerging Director Award and was selected by SHOOT magazine for their New Directors Showcase. She received…
Feb 20, 12:45 PM-2:00 PM: EDUCATION – Crash Course in Making Your First Feature Film (Regal Union Square Theater 2)
Feb 21, 12:45 PM-2:00 PM: Festival Formula: Here To Tell You Some Festival Truths (LOOK Cinemas Theater 5, 657 W 57th St, New York NY 10019)
Ian Bignell is a Film Festival Strategist at Festival Formula. As one of the lead Strategists at Festival Formula, Ian watches films that come into the company, providing impartial feedback on how they best fit into the worldwide film festival circuit. Drawing on his wisdom as the companies previous Submissions Coordinator, he has expert insight…
Katie Bignell is Film Festival Strategist & Founder at Festival Formula. Katie graduated from Bournemouth Media School with a degree in Scriptwriting for Film & TV. She is also a graduate of the Royal Court Young Writer’s and Invitation Only groups. While pursuing a career in writing upon graduation, she received funding from Arvon Foundation…